A restoration company repaired the sagging, cracked beam supporting
the middle of our 2nd story bedroom floor. In the process, workers
impregnated my floor. When they jacked up the beam, our bedroom above it grew a
significant bump. This wasn’t from the beam. I learned that when old tongue and
groove wood flooring pops its neat fit, it bubbles and can’t always pop back
into place. Why didn’t the company tell me this might happen, before they put
pressure on the floor from below?
The restorers had created a new problem that was unsightly
and a tripping hazard. The solid, lifeless bump kept the bedroom door from
closing. It also threatened to quickly wear our new carpeting that I waited all
my life for. The owner of the company didn’t want to accept responsibility in resolving
this. His company did what he said they’d do; straighten and reinforce the
beam.
Desperate, I called a family member who is a carpenter, and
pulled a neighbor into my house for his opinion. Both have experience with wood
and home improvement. They confirmed my popped wood situation.
Confrontation is an emotional drain on me. But I’m proud of
myself for speaking up. The company agreed to flatten out the floor, but had to
pull up the carpeting. They refused to be liable for the carpeting, or its proper
re-installation, after replacing the popped flooring to abort the bump. What
choice did I have?
Now, the floor dips slightly where the popped wood was cut
out and new wood laid. But I understand perfect restoration on an aged house requires
a higher price tag. Luckily, the company’s employee who did the work used to lay
carpeting for a living, and did a satisfactory job for us.
I hope this is the end of our story. We began with new
carpeting as a Valentine’s Day gift to each other for feathering our love nest.
A month later, we’re poorer than expected, with wall-to-wall that will need
stretching sooner than is typical for new carpeting. I promise to post again if
an additional sequel pops up.
